An Eight-year-old Princess

Two days later, as expected, the Empress brought some people to the Palace. She claimed that Yun Shang was possessed, as, within a short space of time, two inexplicable events occurred. First, she fell from the attic and then, the palace where she lived caught fire. The Empress sent somebody to call for a savant Taoist from Lingyun Temple to hold an exorcism for Yun Shang.

The Empress arrived just as Yun Shang had just finished her breakfast. Decided on a nap, the young princess left the table. As she walked past the window, she saw the maids-in-waiting curtsying to the Empress. Yun Shang yawned and winked at Qin Yi. Qin Yi withdrew secretly from the Palace.

Yun Shang stepped out of the Palace and walked towards the Empress. "Mother, what are you doing here? It is too noisy. I wanted a nap, but now I can't fall asleep." She yawned again to emphasize her point.

"My little sister, you are the younger princess. How can you care so little about your manners while under the watch of so many maids-in-waiting and eunuchs? You should be wary. It would not do well to be seen by madams who would take you for etiquette training." said Princess Hua Jing. As Yun Shang turned, she found Hua Jing standing behind the Empress. Hua Jing wore a light blue court dress with peach blossom petals embroidered on the fringe of the tunic, a jade hairpin on her head, and fine silver beaded tassels hanging from the hairpin. As she was coming of age, she had a grown woman's body. Yun Shang looked over her sister's slim waist, beautifully defined shoulders, rosy cheeks, and bright eyes.

Yun Shang smiled. There was no doubt that Hua Jing was a real beauty. No wonder her husband from her previous life had mistreated Yun Shang to stay with Hua Jing.

Yun Shang said smilingly, "My elder sister is also here……"

Hua Jing nodded and walked forward to take Yun Shang's hands. "I heard that the ritual of exorcism is more miraculous and interesting than folk acrobatics. I came all the way to see it. You are already out. Let's go to see it together!"

As Hua Jing touched her arms, Yun Shang forced a smile. Hearing Hua Jing talk to her in such a heartfelt way enraged Yun Shang. She thought that Hua Jing must enjoy watching her suffer.

didn't show her emotions. Instead, she said, "Well, I'll go with you. What you think is interesting must certainly be just that. I wouldn't want to miss it." Yun Shang turned round to look at the Empress. The Empress looked graceful and gorgeous in a phoenix robe. The

Shang smiled and turned around. "This is going to be a long ritual. You will get very tired if you keep standing here. My servants, go to the Palace and

said, "Please sit down, my Empress and sister. Let's sit and watch the ritual." After that,

Shang wondered if she had imagined it. She smiled and turned to see Qin Yi standing nearby. Feeling Yun Shang's eyes, Qin Yi

the ritual had begun. He pulled out his sword, closed his eyes and murmured a chant. After that, the Taoist picked up the bells and began chanting and swaying

enlightenment and that of compassion will live a happy and satisfied life, while those following the evil way will find themselves trapped in a cycle of unhappiness, greed, and selfishness…" The Taoist murmured an incantation before taking a sip of water from the bowl placed near the candlesticks. With the sword, he lifted several spiritual magic figures*. The chants continued as he brought the figures closer to the candles. Once they had lit, he sprinkled some water on them. The spiritual magic figures started burning furiously, giving out a strong smell

incantation on it, which is thought to have magic powers and to supposed

Shang closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly her body jerked. It occurred to her that Taoist priest didn't use sandalwood.

expert in Buddhism, she knew that Buddhists use sandalwood while Taoists burn aquilaria agallocha. She was certain that what she smelled

saw Qin Yi appear again. She was blending in with a group of maids-in-waiting. She nodded her head. The tips of Yun Shang's mouth lifted in a brief smile. From the corner of her eye, Yun Shang saw that Hua Jing had been watching her since the sandalwood had begun to smoke.

some reason, the smell was essential to the ritual.

the palace. Putting these things together, she had a vague idea of what to expect next. What she didn't know

her brow, Hua Jing spoke, "My

Shang nodded and said, "I don't know why but the smell kind of sickens me and there is a buzzing in my head." Yun Shang said to the Empress and Hua Jing with a forced smile, "I feel very unwell.